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Cumbria’s Marathon Man Raise Over £5k For Little Boy With Rare Brain Tumour

By Rachael Grealish

Cumbria’s Marathon Man has raised over £5,000 for a little boy with a rare brain tumour while running a marathon in memory of his late friend.

Fresh from his latest challenge, which had Gary McKee take on the 171-mile Grand to Grand Ultra, the 53-year-old has been out running again to raise money for the family of 11-year-old Charlie Reid to help with travelling and hotel costs while Charlie gets treatment.

Gary and the marathon runners before the run. Photo submitted

On Sunday, November 25, dozens turned out to brave the icy cold and ran Gary’s favourite marathon route with the Marathon Man himself.

Gary originally set out with a target of £500, but on the GoFundMe page over £3,800 has been raised. Alongside the takings from the bake sale on the day of the run, the total is over £5,000.

Gary told The Herdwick News: “It’s over £5000 with the money from the cake sale and we know from other events planned there’s more to come in.

Gary McKee with Charlie Reid after the marathon. Photo submitted

“It’s great to know that the money will help the family with travel and hotel costs while Charlie gets his treatment.”

Gary also ran the marathon in memory of his late friend, Bill Arnott, who was part of Gary’s support team while he took on several challenges – including running 365 marathons in 365 days – after he passed away in August this year.

“It was also fantastic to see so many people turn out on an extremely cold morning to honour the memory of Bill Arnott and raise funds for Charlie,” Gary added.